Vacancy Details
Employer: Process Engineering, Stellenbosch University
Location: Department of Chemical Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch
Degree level: Full-time research-based Masters or PhD degree in Chemical Engineering
An opportunity is available for postgraduate research at Masters or PhD level focused on the assessment and optimization of bioprocesses for the production of valuable chemicals, materials and innovative food products from sugarcane. A number of postgrad positions are available, covering key technical areas such as microbial utilisation of sugar mixtures for conversion to chemicals and proteins, production of alternative sweeteners and nutraceuticals, and the simulation of alternative process/product options to identify sustainable investment opportunities.
The global sugarcane industry is under substantial pressure to diversify its product range from the conventional sugar, ethanol, and electricity regime, to include a broader range of green chemicals, biomaterials, and innovative food components. Such a diversification strategy holds potential for new revenue streams that will create a sustainable future for this socially-important agroprocessing industry. Sugarcane will in the future be considered as more of an industrial crop rather than just a source of sugar, with multiproduct facilities, referred to as “biorefineries,” considered as a model for such expansion of the commercial footprint of the industry.
These postgraduate projects fall within the Research Chair in Sugarcane Biorefineries at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Stellenbosch University. The research chair has broad and in-depth collaborations within the local sugarcane industry, to ensure that the research approaches and outputs remain relevant to industrial practice. Both the development of new bioprocessing methods as well as the assessment of available processes for implementation as sustainable biorefinery investment will be covered in these postgraduate research projects.
Successful postgraduate candidates will be exposed to a network of industry participants, which holds the promise of future career development. Successful candidates will be offered a minimum bursary of ZAR160,000 per year of study, and can start postgraduate studies between January and July 2025.
Candidate Requirements
Requirements to apply: Applicants for the Masters must have a good academic record (preferably with a course aggregate of >65%) and hold a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited tertiary institution. Candidates with BTech, diploma, or advanced diploma qualifications will not be considered for these positions. Applicants for PhD studies must hold a Masters of Engineering degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited tertiary institution. Previous experience in bioprocess development, biomass processing, and process simulations will be a definite advantage but is not required. Preference will be given to South African citizens and permanent residents who display academic excellence.
Application documents: Interested candidates should provide a cover letter, CV, complete academic transcripts, and contact details of at least three academic references. All documents should be merged into a single PDF and attached to the application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications can be sent to Prof. JF Gorgens at
*Stellenbosch University reserves the right not to fill the position.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: R13,333.00 - R16,667.00 per month
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